[MR] 1296 Magna Carta leaving National Archives soon

[Susan Lee]

I was recently privileged to get a "backstage tour" of the National Archives
exhibits with one of their curators this week.  The exhibit of particular
interest for both scribal and non-scribal SCA folks is the 4th reissue of
the Magna Carta, which was written in 1296 and confirmed by Edward the 1st.
This document had tremendous influence on our own Constitution and Bill of
Rights, which are also on display at the Archives along side the Declaration
of Independence.  The Magna Carta has been on permanent loan to the National
Archives in Washington D.C. for decades.  The owners, the Ross Perrot
Foundation, recently informed the National Archives that they are reclaiming
the document and moving it elsewhere.  The curator could provide no further
details on the move.  

 

If you are in the DC area in the near future, I highly recommend a visit to
the National Archives, not only to see the Magna Carta, but to also explore
the renovated Public Vault.  There are four themed bays with interactive
exhibits based on the preamble to the Constitution.  I think those
interested in genealogy research would find the exhibit very informative.

 

This has been a public service announcement. ;-)

 

Mistress Allasondrea de Fano